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Lambay Irish whiskey sets up US import business

Irish whiskey producer Lambay has formed a new company called Lambay Irish Whiskey America (LIWA), which will be the exclusive importer of its spirits in the western hemisphere.

Lambay’s new import arm is bringing the producer’s Cognac cask-finished Irish whiskeys to the US

Lambay is a collaboration between the Baring family’s Revelstoke Trust, owners of the brand’s home, Lambay Island, and Cognac maker House of Camus.

Through LIWA, two Lambay whiskeys will become available in the US market and beyond: the Small Batch Blend, an expression made from malted barley and grain whiskey that is triple distilled and matured in Bourbon barrels with a Cognac cask finish; and the Single Malt, which is also triple distilled and finished in Cognac casks. According to the brand, the ‘unique’ quality of these whiskeys can be credited to ‘sea air and Cognac casks’.

The new import arm will also bring Lambay’s Premium Cask Program to the US, along with a cask-strength expression in early 2022.

Jean-David Costerg, managing director of Lambay Irish Whiskey Company, said: “Lambay Irish Whiskey Company is absolutely thrilled to have a dedicated and strategic partnership with LIWA in the US market and western hemisphere.  The US market represents almost 50% of the total Irish whiskey category, which has been the fastest-growing spirits category in the last decade 2010-2020, with a growth of +140%.”

The import business will be led by CEO Kevin Richards, a veteran of the drinks industry who has worked with brands including Mionetto Prosecco, Christiania Vodka, Royal Elite Vodka and Blackwell Rum. He will oversee the import, sales and marketing of the Lambay Irish Whiskey products in the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America.

Meanwhile, J Smoke Wallin, the former chairman of trade group Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, has also joined the company’s board.

Wallin said: “I’ve had the good fortune to launch hundreds of successful brands in the spirits industry. Lambay Irish Whiskey checks all the key boxes that the most successful brands possess: the fastest growing category, great tasting liquid, brand heritage, and the right team.”

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